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The Mets Stop the Caribes’ 18-Game Winning
Streak and Tie the LVSM Finals
GUAYNABO, Puerto Rico, November 24, 2024. – The Mets of
Guaynabo stepped up in the second match of the Puerto Rican Men’s
Superior Volleyball League (LVSM) Finals, delivering a hard-fought 3-2
victory (25-22, 20-25, 20-25, 28-26, 18-16) against the defending
champions, Caribes de San Sebastián, at the Mario “Quijote” Morales
Coliseum. They tied the series at one game apiece.
Guaynabo also ended the Caribes’ impressive 18-game
winning streak, which had been unbroken since September 7.
Coming off a four-set loss in the opening game, the Mets
held their ground this evening, resisting a late push by the Caribes in
the fourth set and triumphing in extra points during the fifth,
silencing a packed crowd of Caribes fans that filled the Quijote
Coliseum.
In the fourth set, San Sebastián launched an 11-2 run to
take a 20-18 lead and reached set point at 24-23 with Penrose striking
effectively from zone two. However, they failed to close, allowing the
Mets, led offensively by Inovel Romero, to secure the set in extra
points, 28-26.
In the fifth set, the Caribes were once again on the
brink of victory, reaching match point at 14-13 with Penrose attacking
from zone two. Yet again, Romero stepped up for the Mets, leading them
to an 18-16 victory.
Carlos Rodríguez, assistant coach for the Mets,
reflected: “I think sometimes we get too relaxed during the match and
assume we have the advantage, but in volleyball, there’s no room for
that. You have to play point by point, especially against a team like
the Caribes de San Sebastián, who have a knack for comebacks. I believe
from point 20 to 25, we played with more confidence and energy in the
fourth set, and that made the difference. It carried over into the fifth
set, where we held strong in extra points, and our side-out (K1)
dominated in the crucial phases”.
On plans for the next game, Rodríguez added: “We need to
keep controlling Pelegrín and Penrose, their two key players. It’s
crucial to continue working on how we handle their serves”.
Jackson Rivera, outside hitter for the Caribes,
acknowledged the challenge: “We knew it was going to be a tough game
since they couldn’t afford to go down 0-2 in a final series. It’s very
hard to face that record going back to San Sebastián. We expected them
to make every possible adjustment. Unfortunately, we couldn’t close the
match despite having control and momentum. It just wasn’t our night”.
To defend their home court in the next match, Rivera
emphasized the importance of playing their style of volleyball, serving
well, and maintaining solid reception, which faltered at times during
the match.
“We’re heading home to defend our court. The team will
make the necessary adjustments to secure that win”, Rivera concluded.
Inovel Romero led the Mets with 25 points, supported by
Hisham Yousri with 24. On the Caribes’ side, Jalen Penrose shone with 29
points.
The series now moves to the Luis Aymat Cardona Coliseum
in San Sebastián on Wednesday, November 27, at 8:00 PM.
Guaynabo outperformed San Sebastián 8-5 in aces, while
San Sebastián excelled in attacks (65-59), passes (59-52), and assists
(30-24). Both teams tied in blocks (16) and digs (44).
FINAL SERIES SCHEDULE
Game 1: Friday, November 22, 2024: Guaynabo at San
Sebastián (8 PM) (1-3: 18-25, 25-19, 25-22, 25-19)
Game 2: Sunday, November 24, 2024: San Sebastián at
Guaynabo (5 PM) (2-3: 25-22, 20-25, 20-25, 28-26, 18-16)
Game 3: Wednesday, November 27, 2024: Guaynabo at San
Sebastián (8 PM)
Game 4: Friday, November 29, 2024: San Sebastián at
Guaynabo (8 PM)
Game 5: Monday, December 2, 2024: Guaynabo at San
Sebastián (8 PM)*
Game 6: Wednesday, December 4, 2024: San Sebastián at
Guaynabo (8 PM)*
Game 7: Saturday, December 7, 2024: Guaynabo vs. San
Sebastián (8 PM)*+
If necessary. +To be held at Juan “Pachín” Vicéns
Auditorium in Ponce (neutral venue). |
